Inspire. Encourage. Learn.

Happiness lies in the joy of 

achievement and 

the thrill of creative effort.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

I am excited about the opportunity to share my musings, my creative writing with a wider audience.  My good friend and fellow blogger, Rebecca B. (inasouthernkitchen.com)

helped me all afternoon today and

I am ready to move my 50 Something Woman Blog onto my own website.

I hope you will come along beside me as we continue to grow as women, encouraging

our daughters, our nieces, and all of our young lady friends who are coming along behind us.

Find me at joanwpage.com.

Peace in Silence

"Better to remain silent 

and 

be thought a 

fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."  

~Abraham Lincoln~

A friend of mine who lives in England recently mentioned the poem Desiderata to me and this really sent me to thinking more and more about it.  I have pictured here an old framed copy of the poem that was hung in my parents' bedroom in my childhood home and it is one of my greatest treasures.  

Though many believe the myth that Desiderata was first found in 1692 in Old St. Paul's Church, the truth is that is was penned in 1927, 

by American Writer, Max Ehrmann.

"Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.  But do not distress yourself with imaginings...

Be gentle with yourself."

As I ponder the words in this poem hanging in my parents' bedroom where they could refer to it often as they raised six children, I truly believe that the legacy my Mom and Dad have left behind is mirrored in this old poem.  Desiderata was inspiration in their daily path.
In a 2012 interview, actor, Morgan Freeman expressed how deeply the message in Desiderata had shaped his life.

As a fifty-something woman, I am continually seeking signposts and guidance, not only from our God and His Word, but also through those who have gone on ahead of us.  I also find much wisdom in the written word, as is so beautifully illustrated here in Desiderata.  I can only hope that, like my parents, my legacy will reflect some part of this beautiful message written by Mr. Ehrmann, when my dear Father was a seven year old boy.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927

Inspiration in Your Path

Have you ever stopped and considered one or more quotes that resonate with you...that really get
                           
                                                                    your heart moving?

I have found that it is helpful to me 

to have daily inspiration 

 in my path.

~Some of our children's artwork in our garage.~

 

 ~An inspirational quote plaque made by my friend, Jane Ellen~                                                                   

                                                                        

               

This is easy to accomplish by placing posters, quote plaques,

 favorite photos, or artwork in places where you will see them

as you journey through your day...in your laundry area, your

garage, your closet space, or wherever else you know you

will walk by and see it on a regular basis.

~My friend, Kay, who lives in Tennessee made this to greet her guests when they visit her home.~

~This one was completed by my friend, Debby in Dalton, Georgia, for her high school classroom.~

~These here are hung in my girlfriend, Kelly's 

garden shed in Virginia where she will see them often.~

~This poster hangs in our garage.  I love the bright green and it's such a good reminder!~

This is a little gift

you can give yourself without much effort.  

Simply google 

"quotes about _________",  and get started by typing and then 

printing a word document of a favorite quote you find that 

speaks to your heart.  

Then be on the lookout for more thoughts you can add to the 

                                  inspiration in your path.

When you have a little time on your hands, you might want to 

                      purchase an art canvas or a small board

                      from your local home improvement store, 

                                                       and paint or write a favorite quote 
                         
                                                                          as seen here.

October Musings

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."  Dr. Seuss

"You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old."  George Burns

As a fifty-something woman, my life these days is full of musings.  

I am sure this has a lot to do with more than five decades of living gone by, 

with a variety of sweet memories and sad remembrances.  

A musing is defined as a period of reflection and thought.  

"October is the one month when temperatures moderate in the daytime and invigorate us in the evening.  This month and change in the weather is conducive to reflective thought, exhilarating exercise, outdoor labor, charitable endeavor, courtships 

and pleasant romps with babies and small children." 

~Russell Baker, NYTimes, Ode to October~

Just sitting still for a few minutes on this beautiful October day, my mind wanders back to when our children were small and there was little time to be still and dream.  

Life was all a whirlwind, active and full.  

 Our life today, though definitely different, is just as much fun, but only if my husband and I make a conscious effort for it to be so.  On Mondays and Wednesdays, we go to a Hot Pilates class together on our local Marietta Square.  We prepare light evening meals to share afterwards.

We both enjoy the football season, time with friends, and frequent visits to nearby Blue Ridge Lake. 

This past weekend, we took a trip to see our son and his beautiful bride in their new hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. They thoughtfully planned a visit they imagined we would enjoy including a visit to the stunning Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (pictured above), the GROVE neighborhood Fall Festival, a stop at the Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, a walk through the nearly 1,400 acres at beautiful Forest Park (pictured below), a treat at the famous Ted Drewes, a frozen custard stand founded in 1929, and a Sunday morning breakfast at their favorite coffee shop, Cafe Ventana.  

Even with all of this, when we were not in our hotel room, 

we still had plenty of time to simply hang out at their homey apartment.  It was such a fun weekend!

Both our daughter (as of 03/29/14)and our son (as of 06/21/14) are now married and have begun a life on their own with their new spouses and 

we couldn't be happier with their chosen partners and the lives they have before them.

While our son, Walker and his bride live more than 500 miles away, our daughter, Leah and her husband are nearby.  We will celebrate Leah's 26th birthday this Wednesday, October 8th!

Life is Good.

Just as we started our lives as a young couple more than 32 years ago, 

the four of them are beginning theirs.

The beat goes on...

Leaving a Legacy: Part One

"Many times from those who die, we learn how to live."  ~Diane Sawyer, American Journalist, in the days following the 9/11/01 tragedy

My alarm chimed at 5:15 a.m yesterday to remind me that I had promised to drive to Thomaston, Georgia for the day.  My husband of 32 years grew up there and his Dad, Don Page was going to be the speaker of the week at the local Kiwanis Club.  I was really glad I was able to be there to hear my father-in-law tell about his life's mission of serving others.  At nearly 84 years of age, after a tumultuous, impoverished upbringing, Don rose above to be the first in his family to attend college, followed by Law School at the University of Georgia.  As I listened to this brief talk, I considered the strong legacy Donald A. Page, Sr. has built for his children, his grandchildren and future generations-one of service, kindness, godliness and love.
As I drove home alone in silence, I pondered the challenge of leaving a positive legacy when we pass on.  I often repeat the anonymous quote:  "This isn't a dress rehearsal.  We only get one chance at this life."  What kind of legacy do you and I want to leave?  I find myself invited by Don to rise up, to live the best life possible while there is still sand in the hour glass.

I hope you'll check out one of my favorite songs about this subject: Nichole Nordeman's "Legacy"

Grammar and Such

I'm a little out of practice, so please forgive me for the couple of grammar mistakes. I honestly must blame it on my IPad !!! HaHa, in the past, my blogging has been done on a laptop and now I am working on this...it, or perhaps, I am, temperamental! More posts to come, hopefully, with less mistakes ! Stay tuned!

50 Something Woman: LIFE as a 50 Something Woman

50 Something Woman: LIFE as a 50 Something Woman

LIFE as a 50 Something Woman

I am so happy to be resuming my 50 Something Woman Blog and I look forward to you joining me on this journey , as together, we encourage each other, our daughters, sisters, girlfriends, granddaughters, nieces, and all the beautifully made women on our lives to be strong and courageous.

Recently, our pastor, Ike Reighard said:  "The day our memories are greater than our dreams is the day we are dead in the water."  I don't want to be dead until the it's time come to be dead, until the sand runs out in the hourglass. So , let's dream and live while there is life!

What are your dreams?  "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."  -Marcel Proust-

TIME FLIES

Okay, here I go again! My last published entry on this blog was January 31, 2010 and I have covered a lot of ground since that day. I am certain that you have, too!
Now it is November 4, 2010...276 days later and I am reminded how quickly the moments, the days, the months fly during this season of my life.
Since my last post, our son made a decision to go to a college far from home and our daughter began her senior year at a university nearby.
That leaves my husband of 28 years and I in an infamous "empty nest". I have been enjoying some substitute teaching in addition to my ministry projects that I take care of as they arise.
What about you??? Has your 2010 flown by, as well?
I trust that as you ponder the details of your year that your heart is content. I continue to be convinced that the three things that matter most are...
FAITH*****FAMILY*****FRIENDS

BE BLESSED!

OUR DAUGHTER

These past few days must be recorded in the memory bank! Our daughter and eleven of her college friends came for a visit with us in the North Georgia Mountains. This group of young people, along with three other 5o something couples, enjoyed a most incredible long stretch of hours. As I sit here in the quiet, my heart is overflowing with happiness and joy over how this time was spent and I am grateful to God for the blessing of life and living!
As I think about our daughter, I recall her saying how much we would like and enjoy these friends she was bringing home. She was right! These students were polite, gracious, helpful, and fun to have around.
As I sit here in this now serene setting, my mind wanders back to various seasons in our daughter's life... a laughing infant in my arms, a two year old running down River Street in Savannah feeding the pigeons, a six year old crying because she did not like the clothes she had to wear to school, an eleven year old tomboy, short hair, biking, climbing trees, loving life, a seventeen year old soccer player who is furious at her parents because we could not let her stay overnight at a party place that we considered undesirable, and presently a strong, beautiful, confident, friendly and smart young adult who brought home 11 friends for the weekend who appear to be on a good path to a truly bright future. Perhaps we are now experiencing some fruit of our labor as we have worked hard to be the kind of parents that I believe we are called to be.


"A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart."

Author Unknown


I love you, Leah, and I thank our God for the gift you are in my life, and you were right, your friends are great people to know!

GRATITUDE AND GRACE

This is my nearly 90 year old Father's hand. With his hands he delivered more than 1,000 babies in his career as an ObGyn Physician. He loved giving complimentary care to all pastor's wives and they swarmed to his office from all over the Atlanta area. Holding his hand today gives me much joy and gratitude in my heart for the gift he has been in my life. He truly is a man of God, a man of Grace.



As a 50 something woman, I have been thinking a lot about gratitude and grace. I'd like to claim that I awaken each morning filled with gratitude, but that would not be honest! I can say that I would like to start each new day with both gratitude and grace, so perhaps this post will inspire you and I to do just that!

Ardath Rodale, an author, wrote in a 2005 article in PREVENTION magazine, that she "likes to think of gratitude and grace as her two hands working together. Grace is the power, beauty, and love of God that is always around us; gratitude gives us the eyes to see it."

As a 50 something woman, I have issues that have weighed on me through the years, as I am sure you do, as well. When I consider the challenges that I have personally faced in my own life, being thankful for them, seems to help me grow more these days.
Helen Keller said, "I thank God for my handicaps for through them I found myself, my work, and my God."

I have come to realize that this journey called life is never completely tranquil and smooth. All of us have experienced difficulties, mountains that are hard to climb. My nearly 90 year old Father told me yesterday as we were walking his mile, that we learn to live with the tragedies life deals us. So, as a 50 something woman, I would like to learn to look at my personal battles as opportunities to grow stronger in character and therefore, I want to learn to be more grateful for them.
Is that asking too much of myself? I think not. Perhaps when we learn to say "thanks", more often, we will open our hearts to daily miracles that happen all around us.
And Henry Beecher said,
"GOD'S GRACE IS THE OIL THAT FILLS THE LAMP OF LOVE."

May your day, your week, and your coming months be filled with both GRATITUDE and GRACE.

EMAIL FROM A FRIEND

The following came to me in an email today from a girlfriend, Lynn, (pictured in blue on the far right)whom I have known since we were six years old.

Though it was a bit far, we could walk to each other's childhood homes.

Our birthdays are 1 day a part, so we have celebrated many times together.

Lynard (as in Skynard) is one of those friends that you can never get enough of, no matter what. We live a couple of hours from each other, in two different states and time zones, but we still manage to get together with our other six FFs (forever friends) several times a year. Usually, the main thing we do when we are together is laugh!

And you know...that laughter is good medicine! (see Proverbs 17:22)

Lynn and I both experienced the death of a parent, her Father and my Mother, within two days of each other, back in October 2006. We've shared plenty of memories and even more tears as we have remembered these loved ones. We've shared "quotes" from these parents who have passed. Two of my favorite come from each one: Lynn's Daddy used to say: "Honey, we have so much love , we can wallow in it!" and my Mama always said about staying up later than we probably should: "We can sleep when we're dead!"

Friends are Forever and I am glad this one was given to me back in September 1964!

And now the email message:

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.
I've even earned the right to be wrong..
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever,
but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!

A pertinent message from a great friend!

AGING GRACEFULLY

My three sisters and I had the opportunity to attend a very worthwhile seminar this past Thursday. There was no charge for this event and it was provided by Mrs. Nancy Craney, Executive Director, Wellstar Behavioral Health. The workshop was interactive and it was entitled: AGING GRACEFULLY.
Besides the fact that I was sitting at a table with my three big sisters that I love so much, this was such a beneficial use of our time and we are indebted to Mrs. Craney for all of the good information she shared with us that day.
As a fifty something woman, I want to share some of these tips with all the women that I know, regardless of their age or their season of life. We ALL need encouragement, edification, and continued education as we journey through this life.

I found it enlightening that in a recent study, aging women were polled regarding this question: "Is getting older better/worse than you expected?" 51% of those questioned stated that it was better than they expected.
Many times, it is our perceptions that may be more negative than the actual experience.

In our workshop, there was a great emphasis placed on optimism and its role in aging. While some may believe that optimists are reckless and not "watchful" about future events, multiple studies have proven that optimism is highly correlated with strong self-esteem and a boosted immune system, as well as, a resilience against illness. Through this discussion, we were reminded that optimism can be learned if one is more in the habit of pessimistic thinking. To train oneself in optimism, in a recent Wellstar newsletter, three suggestions were made by Mrs. Craney: (1) Practice self-awareness-question an immediate sense of doom and gloom-ask ourselves what might be positive in the situation; don't jump immediately to the negative.
(2) Take responsibility for what happens in life-do not be a victim of circumstance-take control where we can. (3) Study the positive effects of optimism on the body and begin to believe that it may have healthy effects on the immune system-that you may benefit to learn to look at the world more positively.

We cannot control aging, but there
are five health tips we CAN and SHOULD control:


---STAY ACTIVE---
---WATCH WEIGHT---
---KEEP REGULAR CHECK UPS---
---EAT LOW FAT---
---DON'T SMOKE---

In closing, Mrs. Craney reminded us that women are a really powerful bunch and that includes you and me! With aging, we gain wisdom. Let's teach our daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and all the other young women who are coming along behind us,
to see the quality in the aging woman. We have a role to help the youth to relax about aging. As we grow, let's change what we can and let go of what we can't change. As we journey, let's agree to disagree and give others the right to be different.
Mrs. Craney ended this workshop on a lovely note when she shared the following video with us:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBgXN_Jwr3Q

Our time together was enhanced by a lunch of scones and quiche in a local tea room where our niece, Amy, surprised us by joining her Mama and three aunts. And here, at lunch, we accomplished one more part of aging gracefully, we laughed, we loved and supported each other on this journey we call life.

And bonds like this, between women, don't come along every day, but we will all greatly benefit from strong family and friend connections as we live out our days.

PATIENCE

As a 50 something woman, I am so aware of the many seasons of life that one can experience in more than five decade's time. Especially being a woman versus a man, I have enjoyed carrying, birthing, and raising two babies into adulthood...that season by itself has made this life journey incredible.

I am learning to have patience as I anticipate seeing what my next "job" will be. I am waiting and praying. In the meantime, I am content to put one foot in front of the other, looking for ways each day to obey the still small voice that I hear in my heart when I am quiet enough to heed it. As I do this, I find myself in unexpected places,
often unfamiliar territory, and I wonder is this in preparation for the next thing?

This picture was taken during a medical mission trip to Rio de Janeiro , Brazil. I am holding the pastor's son, Eduardo, and we were "reading" a Portuguese Bible. (Eduardo clearly knew more Portuguese than I did!) Beginning in 2003, for five consecutive years, I was in Rio on Mission as I worked with my niece, Amy, who was living and working in the mission field there. Those trips, each one, were life-changing in various ways. Those trips, also, have made my life journey extraordinary.

Yes, the seasons of our life come and go, and I ponder what is next. I believe that the answer is unfolding, even as I type! The cool thing is that as the seasons come and go, the things we may do to make a difference might be really big, like flying to Rio for a week of ministry, or really small, like offering an encouraging word to someone who needs it, but either way, your life journey will be sweeter and more rewarding for it!
This reminds me of some of my favorite Mother Teresa quotes:

"In this life, we cannot do great things,
we can only do small things with great love. "

"I always say I am a pencil in God's hands. He does the thinking and the writing. He does everything and sometimes it is really hard, because it is a broken penciland He has to sharpen it a little more. Be a little instrument in His hands so that He can use you anytime, anywhere. We have only to say 'YES' to God."

"I never will understand all the good a simple smile can accomplish."

What about you...what are your thoughts about the past events in the seasons of your life? And while we are pondering this, let us all remember and pray for the multitudes that are suffering right now in Haiti. Though perhaps not nearly as impoverished, my experiences in Rio brought me first-hand experience with an extremely poor population and my heart goes out to these victims in Haiti.
Oh, and one more thing, as you ponder the past decades of your life journey. Please consider a plan to join a team to go somewhere on a mission trip before your journey on earth has ceased.
YOU won't regret it!

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

Sometimes in life, we have circumstances that can feel like a mountain before us. As a friend was sharing with me about a concern that seems insurmountable in her life today, I recalled this climb that my friend, Betsy and I took in October of 2008 in Arizona. We were there in beautiful Scottsdale with our husbands on business and both of us wanted to climb the challenging Camelback Mountain. Betsy and I had heard that these sheer redstone cliffs with their telltale hump drew thousands of hikers each year. We both felt like we were in pretty good shape for this adventure, which was important since we had also heard that this hike was not for beginners. This beautiful mountain range was known to be 2,704 feet above sea level!
This strenuous hike took us a few hours and was a tremendous work-out for sure! We had plenty of time to talk, which always makes the time go by when one is exercising. The scenery was breathtaking as we traveled higher and higher.
As a 50 something woman, I have learned that the mountains in life's journey are nearly always followed by a nice deep valley, a time to catch our breath after a difficult and challenging season.
As a 50 something woman, I have also learned that I do not want to miss the lessons that will likely be gained during a difficult climb as I overcome adversity. Just like the ageless song, "Climb Every Mountain" from The Sound of Music, I want to search high and low, following every by-way, every path I know. I want to climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, 'til I find my dream!
And just like this climb up Camelback Mountain, I have encouraged my troubled friend to persevere, to stay on the path that I know God has marked out for her. And I will follow that advice myself, living life to the fullest, climb after climb!

REMEMBER THE DAY

As a fifty-something woman, I clearly remember the day when we would be out running errands with Mom and she would stop in at the Gulf for a fill-up. Mr. Fitch, himself, the owner of Fitch's Gulf at the intersection of Scott Boulevard and North Decatur Road in Decatur, Georgia would come on out and greet us. While the petro poured into our tank, Mr. Fitch would always check Mama's oil, even if this service was not requested. Oh, and remember how our windshield would be spotless when we left after a fill-up?

Sure, the QT or Race Track on every corner sure is convenient, with the wide assortment of both drinks and snacks while your vehicle gets its fill, but still...remember the day!?!

And in the other room, as I sit here and type, our nearly 18 year old son is setting up and explaining our new IMAC. Wow, now that is one high-tech machine! When I was a teacher back in the 1980's, a few of my co-workers had a computer in his or her room, but I did not have one and certainly not every teacher's room had one! I had this friend, this co-teacher, named James, that was the "computer whiz" of our school. Everyone always sent for Mr. Reeves when there was a problem. Now, PC s operate with such ease, for the most part! Remember the day!?!

Do you still find yourself saying "roll down the car window", or "dial that phone number for me"?
I do! Remember the day!?!

One nice thing about the fantastic fifties is seeing all the changes that have taken place since our generation moved into adulthood. What do you enjoy remembering about days gone by?

LODESTAR

As we move along into this new year, I am pondering the word "balance". As a fifty-something woman, I desire balance every day in every way. I was reading the January 5th entry in MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST By, Oswald Chambers this morning and was moved by a word in the final sentence: "There is only one lodestar in the life now, the Lord Jesus Christ." As I looked up this word in my dictionary, I was thrilled to read the first and second definition:
1. a star that is used as a point of reference; especially the North Star,
2. A GUIDING principle, interest, or ambition.
It is so easy to fall out of sync in this life, to lose our equilibrium along the way. However, it can bring us great comfort to remind ourselves that there is a "lodestar" in our midst when we make it a point to look for it, to seek it out. Life is like a see-saw, up and down, up and down, and yet, our God can help us to stay centered and steady as we go through our days. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us to simply: "Pray continuously, without ceasing."
I like to call this sending up constant 'arrow prayers' to my Father in heaven.
My earthly, godly, Dad, who was born on March 4, 1920 will celebrate nine decades in this new year. Daddy always says it like this: "It is a good idea to live your life with equanimity, the quality or characteristic of being calm and even-tempered, having composure."

How about you? Have you called upon your "lodestar" today?

THE SUN IS SETTING ON 2009

More than 30 days have passed since my last blog post.
Yes, both Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone. Some of my favorite things during this past month include: receiving and sending photos & messages of hope, watching the old movie IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE with my 89 year old Daddy beside me, baking and sharing cookies, remembering with fondness those that have gone on ahead of us, and seeing the play
A CHRISTMAS CAROL with my family.
What are some of your memories from the past month?


Now the sun is setting on another year. 2010 is on the horizon.

I have never been one to attach myself to New Year's Resolutions. I learned long ago that I was never good about keeping them; at least I could not keep them past a few days or weeks, depending on how much change the declaration would require of me.
As a 50 something woman, I have instead determined that a healthy and balanced lifestyle all year round is the best arrangement for me.
With this approach, I do not have to worry about a dramatic change all at once!
The way that I attempt this is with the decision to not allow myself more than two consecutive "off-plan"days. An "off-plan" day can be defined differently for each person, but for me, it means not enough H2O, no fitness, an overindulgence in unhealthy foods and not enough fresh foods, and no time to sit still if only for a few moments to reflect on my personal relationship with God. In contrast, an "on plan" day for me is just the opposite: some fitness, substantial nutrition, water, and some quiet time to allow my body to catch up with my soul.

How about you?
What is your plan for YOU in the coming new year?

A SPOT OF SUNSHINE

With "Thanksgiving Eve" upon us, I am sitting here counting my blessings, naming them one by one. As a fifty something woman, I am grateful for my reliable God, my family, my friends, just to mention three that are sure to be mentioned with immeasurable gratitude by you, as well.

As I ponder this further, I realize that sometimes the basis for gratefulness in my day is because a "spot of sunshine" has come my way. This may have come to me in a smile, a kind word, a note in the mail, a loving hug, an encouraging text or email, a laugh, a song, a written message or verse, a yummy taste of a favorite food, the chance to aid another, sweet memories, excellent health care, and the way my loved ones say my name, just to name a few.

This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes.
"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."
~James M. Barrie~

What are the spots of sunshine that you are most comforted and encouraged by
during this THANKSGIVING SEASON?

LIFE IS A SYMPHONY

Having grown up in a family of six children, four girls and two brothers, I have a clear understanding of how crazy life can be in a large family!

Yesterday, some girlfriends and I had the opportunity to honor one of our dear friends, who along with her husband, has eight children. Her husband wanted to treat her to a surprise party and we helped make this possible.
As we celebrated this milestone birthday, our party theme was:

LIFE IS A SYMPHONY.

Yes, LIFE IS A SYMPHONY WITH THIS FAMILY!
SOMETIMES CHAOTIC,
MORE OFTEN HARMONIOUS,
SOMETIMES OUT OF TUNE,
BUT ALWAYS FILLED WITH LOVE!

Thirty-five friends, along with the birthday girl's Mama, as well as her oldest daughter, shared with the group why this extraordinary mother of eight was particularly special to each of them. It was beautiful to witness the edification that took place as we feasted on a delicious lunch and went around the room telling humorous tales and sharing from our hearts.
Before dessert was served, we viewed a 15 minute memory video of a little girl who was born in 1959 with two older sisters, a wedding, eight new babies and many friend photos, as well.
The songs played along with the pictures were familiar to all:
IN MY LIFE~The Beatles
SIMPLE THINGS~Jim Brickman
DON'T STOP~Fleetwood Mac
FOREVER YOUNG~Rod Stewart
We all got a laugh out of the Lucille Ball quote near the end of the video:

"To stay young, live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age!"

And the icing on the "video cake" was a brief recorded message from the birthday girl's Mother reminding her of what a huge blessing it has been to have her as her daughter.
My unexpected and enormous blessing as these party plans fell into place, was getting to know this dear Mother even better than before. She reminds me so very much of my own Mama and it was a comfort and a joy spending time with her! PURE PLEASURE, in fact.

In lieu of wrapped presents, the ladies gave a monetary donation to our local homeless shelter.
This gift totaled $1,720.00!!!!!!!!

The lunch guests said their goodbyes with an iced cookie shaped
like one of the symphony instruments pictured above.

HAPPY 1/2 CENTURY TO
THIS VERY DEAR HEART FRIEND
OF 30+ YEARS!